Ramblings on Hunting, Fishing, and the Outdoors

Interesting social science perspective on the hunting/anti-hunting communities, with the New Jersey black bear hunt as a backdrop. the black bear hunt in New Jersey – a constructionist analysis of an intractable conflict Advertisements

Originally posted on Animal Ag Engage: I grew up on a cattle farm in rural Missouri. I am a classic, stereotypical farm kid that was involved in the local 4-H and FFA. I raised cows, pigs, chickens, rabbits and ducks. I know how to drive a tractor and drove a truck in a field before…

Originally posted on Pye Acres: The White Otter Inn was in my rearview mirror and the rising sun was on my windshield. I was up and gone from the hotel in the wee-wee hours to say hello to the empty, dark highway. I was driving back from a late-November OFAH membership meeting in northwestern Ontario.…

Some insight from Paul McCarney on moose population declines. Paul McCarney “Buffler!” exclaimed Boone Caudill, A.B. Guthrie’s iconic character in his 1947 novel, The Big Sky. Guthrie’s story gives us glimpses into both the beauty of the landscape and the mindset that led to some of the biggest mistakes we made on it. Guthrie writes, … More Boone, Ishmael, and the Politics of Moose Management

Paul McCarney addresses the issues of mandatory reporting and lack of faith in wildlife researchers. Paul McCarney If you derive any enjoyment from the largely intact suite of wildlife that roams North America, enjoy healthy wetlands that clean and filter our drinking water across the continent, or just simply enjoy the concept and existence of healthy … More An Endorsement of Harvest Reporting and Trusting Wildlife Researchers

Originally posted on The Fisheries Blog: Just like they say, ‘more species, more problems’…well, we’ve got lots of problems. The minnow family—Cyprinidae (Sy-Prin-I-Dee)—is the largest freshwater fish family in the world, boasting over 3,000 species from ~370 genera. But because of that great diversity, minnows are one of the most misunderstood groups of fishes on…

Originally posted on Mike Adams Hunts: Published in Maryland Hunting Quarterly Spring 2017 There are three universal truths you must learn to accept if you own a hunting license: You are a part of a desperate minority, you are subject to the legislation voted on by the vast majority, and you are guaranteed nothing. These…

Excellent article on the misrepresentation of hunting. Paul McCarney Keeping on top of the ways hunting is represented in the media is an ongoing effort. The immediacy with which information, and misinformation, spreads through social media can make it difficult to be aware of and respond to every conversation about hunting. On top of that, … More Media Misrepresentations of the Hunter, the Hunted, and Hunting

Originally posted on From the Field: It’s not a surprise when someone is feeling under the weather this time of year. Runny noses, fevers, and the dreaded stomach bug which makes 24 hours feel like 24 days. But compared to deer, humans are fragile and weak. The injuries and parasites deer live with every day…

Originally posted on The Drew Lab at Columbia University: Introduction: One of the major questions facing ecologists and resource managers is understanding the amount of diversity in a particular area. This is important not only for describing macro ecological trends such as species gradients, but for allowing for the more precise application of limited conservation…